The Sentinel

From 1997 to 1977, I take you back, way back to a lovely little feature called ‘The Sentinel’ starring, Pilipino beauty Christina Raines, the versatile Chris Sarandon, English gem Ava Gardner and a young and spiffy Christopher Walken. This mystery, drama and ‘anything but horror’ was written by Jeffrey Konvitz whom you may remember from ‘Spy Hard’ and directed by English Michael Winner.

“She was young, she was beautiful, she was next!” is a splendid tag-line for this film because who isn’t fascinated with a young fashion model’s life? Women want to be like her, and men fancy that she doesn’t want to commit, but what exactly is she in next for?

There wasn’t very much thrill or bona fide excitement, perhaps because of the time this film was made and the progress film-makers have made in terms of special effects and camera angles. But there weren’t very many surprises to the predictable story-line at all, except perhaps the horny lesbians and crowd of mutants.

Despite ‘The Sentinel’ not having modern ‘hot-shots’ or conveniences, viewers can see the care, time and work that went in to make this film a decent one. From wardrobe to set-design and great acting, this film flowed nicely and in perfect order. J